See You In Orbit?

Archival Summary & Scope

**See You in Orbit? Our Dream of Spaceflight** chronicles humanity's enduring desire for ordinary citizens to journey into space. Despite decades of optimistic promises and grand visions, fewer than 600 individuals have ever left Earth's atmosphere. This engaging non-fiction work takes a historical, personal, and often irreverent look at the gap between these aspirations and the realities.

Spanning from the theoretical aerospace engineers of the 1920s and 30s to the public expectations during the Space Race and Space Shuttle era, and through the tragic Challenger accident and the rise of modern NewSpace companies, this book re-examines well-known space events through the unique lens of what was being promised regarding civilian spaceflight. It explores the principal personalities, milestones, and shifting public hopes, concluding with an optimistic outlook for broader access to space.

*Note: This book uses language and norms reflective of the historical periods discussed, which may include phrases that could upset modern sensibilities.*